The Cultural Industry Investment Fund works to strengthen the capacity of cultural organizations in Upper Manhattan. The late Puerto Rican Poet, Julia De Burgos, devoted her life to teach children and inspired national pride. A cultural center in East Harlem bears her name.

BRISC, UMEZ's small business lending platform, provides loan capital of $50,000 to $250,000 to small businesses seeking to expand or start up. Pictured above, Galip Ozbek, owner and head chef of Savann prepares a meal for his customers. Savann specializes in Turkish cuisine and is located along Harlem's Restaurant Row, aka Frederick Douglass Boulevard.

UMEZ provides loan capital of $250,000 or more to projects that provide new job creation and substantial economic growth in Upper Manhattan. Gotham Plaza is a 90,000 square foot retail/office and commercial space on East 125th Street between Lexington Avenue and 3rd Avenue.

The Cultural Industry Investment Fund works to strengthen the capacity of cultural organizations in Upper Manhattan. The Studio Museum in Harlem (above) attracts a wide audience to its exhibitions and public programs.

UMEZ provides loan capital of $250,000 or more to projects that provide new job creation and substantial economic growth in Upper Manhattan. 125th Gateway Plaza on the corner of 125th Street and Lexington Avenue, is a four-story, 55,000 square foot mixed-use retail and office building.

With programs that link history to contemporary times, the Morris-Jumel Mansion is attracting new visitors to Upper Manhattan from throughout the city, the country and the world. UMEZ's Cultural Industry Investment Fund's grant enables the organization to concentrate on program and infastructure development.

Hot Bread Kitchen's Almacén created buzz in major publications about the comeback of historic La Marqueta in El Barrio. Read more about how UMEZ's Business Investments are revitalizing Upper Manhattan communities.